We’re quite busy laundering and folding itty bitty baby clothes and blankets; hanging artwork on the walls of the nursery; stacking diapers; and tackling the million other odds and ends on our to-do list. But I also know how important it is to find time to pamper myself. Between an expanding waistline, an achy back, and regular heartburn, it’s sometimes the ...]]> We are just weeks away from meeting our little Peanut, and I honestly can’t believe how quickly time has passed.

We’re quite busy laundering and folding itty bitty baby clothes and blankets; hanging artwork on the walls of the nursery; stacking diapers; and tackling the million other odds and ends on our to-do list. But I also know how important it is to find time to pamper myself. Between an expanding waistline, an achy back, and regular heartburn, it’s sometimes the small indulgences that make all the difference.

Here’s a list of my current favorite finds:

Bella B Tummy Honey Butter: Not sure if I can credit good genes or this belly butter, but I’m still stretch mark-free at 36 weeks pregnant! Plus it keeps my stomach from itching throughout the day.

Clinique Repairwear Intensive Night Cream: Typically my skin is oily during the summertime. But not this year. And so I’ve incorporated this silky face cream into my nightly routine. I use it after Clinique’s 3-Step products, and my husband jokes that I now have about 12 steps to complete each night. It’s true.

St. Ives Oatmeal and Shea Butter Moisturizer: Speaking of dry skin, I am in love with this body lotion. It smells sweet and goes on smooth. I use it twice a day.

Snoogle: I simply cannot sleep without this pillow. It hugs the natural curves of my body and forces me to remain on my (preferably left) side all night. And its soft jersey cover is comfortable enough to replace my standard pillow. So far hubs is okay with the new guest in our bed. He even “snoogles” after I get up to shower in the morning.

Crocs flats: Wedges and stilettos may be stylish, but I just can’t wear them. Not before and definitely not now. And even my flats don’t feel as supportive as they once did. Fortunately, I found the most comfortable pair of shoes: sling back flats by Crocs. They basically haven’t left my feet since I bought them.

Jersey Dresses and Tanks from Old Navy: Comfortable. Versatile. Affordable. Love everything about them. And they’ve become absolutely essential in these final weeks when nothing else seems to fit.

Prenatal Yoga DVD: I miss my power yoga class, but this DVD does the trick for now. There are planks and warriors and triangles — with modifications for each trimester. And I feel amazingly loose and relaxed after my 50-minute living room session.

TUMS Smoothies: I thought I knew what heartburn was until I entered the third trimester of pregnancy. Now, no matter what I eat, heartburn accompanies it. Enter TUMS. I eat at least three per day.

Other things I can’t live without: Honey Bunches of Oats, fruit of all varieties, Annie’s cheddar bunnies and macaroni & cheese, English muffins with Grandma’s strawberry preserves, and ice cream. Also: my husband. But that goes without saying, right?

What are your favorite products, pregnancy or otherwise?

© Elizabeth Anne Designs, 2011 · Permalink · 1 comment · StumbleUpon It!
Posted in: Beauty, Good Things

Follow Ami on Twitter · Join us at EAD Weddings too! · EAD on Facebook

{images credited to Monica Feudi for GoRunway.com}

I love how they kept the makeup and hair fresh and easy (perfection!) and while I probably won’t (ever) purchase a cowhide purse ...]]> I saw an image from the 2011 Ralph Lauren Collection on Carrie Leber’s website, and spent a few minutes just staring. I’m definitely a jeans and t-shirt kind of girl, but these dresses were so romantic and sweet. They pull in that perfect Wild Wild West feel with a touch of Americana.

{images credited to Monica Feudi for GoRunway.com}

I love how they kept the makeup and hair fresh and easy (perfection!) and while I probably won’t (ever) purchase a cowhide purse or vest, I’m definitely thinking I need to introduce a little cowgirl style into my spring wardrobe.

{images credited to Monica Feudi for GoRunway.com}

I really really love the shoes they used. They seem perfect for spring. Dressier than flat sandals, and perfect for extending these oh-so-short legs of mine. I found identical shoes on the Nine West website, as well as a cute western style belt.

{Braided Leather Belt and Mayne Shoe by Nine West}

{accessories from the Nine West Vintage America Collection}

Until my budget includes trips to New York for fashion week, and purchasing directly from the runway collection, I’ll be showing my cowgirl off by updating my spring dresses with accessories and purchasing a few spring dresses from Old Navy and Forever 21.

{images credited to Old Navy}

You can get inspired by the complete Ralph Lauren Spring 2011 Collection on Style.com.

Will you be embracing this new trend?

© Elizabeth Anne Designs, 2011 · Permalink · 5 comments · StumbleUpon It!
Posted in: Beauty, Fashion

Follow Ami on Twitter · Join us at EAD Weddings too! · EAD on Facebook

This House of Lavande beach party is pretty fabulous, and I think this would be pretty easy to duplicate on a much smaller scale for an outdoor party when the weather warms up. ...]]> One of my favorite places to look for party, fashion and decor inspiration is Vogue.com. They have a great collection of images. Even if I can’t afford the brands and companies they promote, it definitely inspires me. Here are a few images that have caught my eye lately.

This House of Lavande beach party is pretty fabulous, and I think this would be pretty easy to duplicate on a much smaller scale for an outdoor party when the weather warms up. The biggest expense would be the tent, but you could definitely bring down the cost with some creative planning.

It’s hard to see because the image is so dark, but the seating consists of a giant square and then rounds set up in the middle. Wouldn’t this be great for a large scale wedding reception?

I’m not sure if this current trend of undead type makeup is related to the Twilight saga success, but I’m not really loving it. You don’t have to go crazy with the bronzer, but a little color wouldn’t be so completely awful.

Ah, this is more like it. Mila Kunis is a dreamboat and a half. That gown is perfect for her vivid coloring, and her makeup is noticeable without being overdone.

Where do you go for fashion and home inspiration?

© Elizabeth Anne Designs, 2011 · Permalink · 1 comment · StumbleUpon It!
Posted in: Beauty, Entertaining, Fashion

Follow Ami on Twitter · Join us at EAD Weddings too! · EAD on Facebook

{source}

I’m a contacts-wearer. I have worn corrective lenses since 7th grade.  During my regular eye appointment this year, I was scolded for wearing my contacts too much.  Um, you mean that wearing them from 10 minutes after I wake up until 10 minutes before I go to sleep is too much??

Well, the more you wear your contacts, the less oxygen gets into your eyes. And ...]]> Note to self: never again do a google image search for “Lasik”. ::shudder::

{source}

I’m a contacts-wearer. I have worn corrective lenses since 7th grade.  During my regular eye appointment this year, I was scolded for wearing my contacts too much.  Um, you mean that wearing them from 10 minutes after I wake up until 10 minutes before I go to sleep is too much??

Well, the more you wear your contacts, the less oxygen gets into your eyes. And the less oxygen that gets into your eyes, the more your eye’s blood vessels grow, which apparently can get to be bad enough that the eye doctor won’t prescribe contacts any longer.

So after hearing this lovely news, I called a Chicago surgeon to see if I was a candidate for Lasik. And I am. For a mere $6,800 (it’s more expensive for me because I have astigmatism) I am assured I will see perfectly, until I need reading glasses that is.

Naturally I am completely creeped out by the thought of Lasik, but, on the other hand, I’m fascinated by the idea of being able to see, no matter what the cost.

So tell me, dear readers, have you or someone you loved had Lasik?  Do you recommend it?  Anyone out there with horror stories I should know about?

© Elizabeth Anne Designs, 2010 · Permalink · 14 comments · StumbleUpon It!
Posted in: Beauty, Health

Follow Ami on Twitter · Join us at EAD Weddings too! · EAD on Facebook

After getting the “all clear” from my doctor, I asked her the ideal skin care regimen. Every month, beauty ...]]> Every year I visit my dermatologist for a full body skin exam. Being fair-skinned and freckly, I’m concerned about at a higher risk for skin cancer, so I let my doctor take a look at every spot, freckle and mole — even the ones that never see the light of day. I check myself regularly, too. I’m a bit compulsive about that.

After getting the “all clear” from my doctor, I asked her the ideal skin care regimen. Every month, beauty magazines tout the latest and greatest anti-aging products and procedures, and I’ve been feeling a bit overwhelmed by all of the information out there. Now that I’m thirty, I’m starting to freak out about those fine lines and wrinkles that are slowly but surely creeping their way onto my face. I’m routinely told I look younger than my true age (thanks, freckles!), and I want to keep it that way!

(image via Martha Stewart)

I thought I’d share with you the routine and products my dermatologist suggested for young women our age:

In the morning, after cleansing, apply a Vitamin C or antioxidant-rich serum. My doctor likes Oil of Olay’s Regenerist and Pro-X lines, as well Obagi. Follow up with an SPF, she insisted. (Always!)

In the evening, cleanse and use a product with Retinol or Glycolic acid, which exfoliates and acts like a mini peel. For Retinol products, she suggested RoC and L’Oreal, and for Glycolic acid, GlyDerm. After, moisturize. An inexpensive moisturizer like CeraVe works great, she said.

As for eye creams, my doctor recommended Teamine Eye Complex, which reduces dark circles and minimizes fine lines with its green tea extract.

There you have it. A simple regimen with only a couple of steps in the AM and PM straight from my doctor’s lips. However, it’s going to take me some time to get used to it because, to be honest… I don’t always wash my face at night. I know, I know! So bad, right?

Do you follow a strict skin care routine or do you sometimes sleep in your mascara? (Be honest!) Are you taking steps now to prevent those pesky fine lines and wrinkles?

© Elizabeth Anne Designs, 2010 · Permalink · 9 comments · StumbleUpon It!
Posted in: Beauty

Follow Ami on Twitter · Join us at EAD Weddings too! · EAD on Facebook

{images here, here, and here}

I’ve used the following “recipes” for years.  If you can believe it, ...]]> We’ve all heard mention of the “Recessionista,” and I’d bet a shiny Buffalo nickel that most of us have employed some creative tactics in order to look fashionable while tightening our belts!    But don’t leave your face out of all the fun… Everything you need to pamper your pores is waiting right in your fridge (or grocery aisle)!

{images here, here, and here}

I’ve used the following “recipes” for years.  If you can believe it, I discovered these concoctions in a Seventeen magazine circa 1996 – how I’ve kept up with that torn-out page, I’ll never know, but it’s safe and sound in my recipe box today!  While I’m usually a stickler for testing new beauty products, I have never felt the need to purchase a facial mask, seeing as these treat me so well!

Egg & Honey Mask - for Normal to Dry Skin

{Calcium- and protein-rich cream and egg yolk moisturize, while honey kills acne-causing bacteria on the skin.}

• 1 egg yolk
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 teaspoon whole milk or cream

Blend all ingredients together – adding another teaspoon of honey if the consistency is too drippy.  Apply to face and let sit for 20 minutes.  Parts of the mask may dry completely, depending on how much of the mixture you layer on.  Rise with warm water.

Avocado Carrot Cream Mask - for Dry Skin

{Avocado, rich in Vitamin E + carrots, high in beta-carotine and antioxidants + calcium rich cream = a mask to boost skin collagen, improve texture and tone, and fade acne scars.}

• 1 avocado
• 1 carrot, cooked and mashed
• 1/2 cup whole milk or cream
• 1 egg, beaten
• 3 tablespoons honey

Combine all ingredients (a blender helps with this one!) until smooth.  Apply to face and allow to sit for 20 minutes.  Rinse with cool water.

Strawberry Mask – for Oily, Acne-Prone Skin

{Strawberries are a natural source of salicylic acid and yogurt soothes.}

• 1/4 cup fresh strawberries
• 1/4 cup sour cream or non-flavored yogurt

Mash strawberries and sour cream / yogurt together.  Apply to face and wait 10-15 minutes.  Rinse with lukewarm water.

And there you have it: Everything you need for an At-Home Spa Day!  Don’t forget the fluffy robes and wine spritzers!

© Elizabeth Anne Designs, 2010 · Permalink · 1 comment · StumbleUpon It!
Posted in: Beauty, Recipes

Follow Ami on Twitter · Join us at EAD Weddings too! · EAD on Facebook

I’ve always been fascinated by the tradition of gap year. It’s not celebrated, for the most part, in the United States. However, the organization I work for is trying to change that. For the past eight months, I’ve been working with 18-22 years old American young adults who are taking that gap year (some after college graduation). During this time, they work through project goals that include finding out who they are, their purpose in life, how to live in ...]]>

I’ve always been fascinated by the tradition of gap year. It’s not celebrated, for the most part, in the United States. However, the organization I work for is trying to change that. For the past eight months, I’ve been working with 18-22 years old American young adults who are taking that gap year (some after college graduation). During this time, they work through project goals that include finding out who they are, their purpose in life, how to live in community, and a plan for their future.

I wish I had done this. I think it would have prevented a lot of negative choices I made. So here I am., taking my gap year, at thirty years of age. It’s been incredible so far. Yet when recently asked the question, “Who are you?” I couldn’t come up with an answer. I know what I love. I know what I hate. I know what I’ve been through. I have plans for the future. But I haven’t answered that question. Who am I? What do I want to be when I grow up?

In a truly serendipitous moment, my husband sent me a link to an article about building an online business. In it, they profiled several businesses and the amazing ideas they had. One of them caught my eye. After a week of noodling, I signed up for a the summer 2010 Unravelling e-course.

From Susannah’s website:

The Unravelling process is a new way to view your world, taking time to appreciate the beauty around you. And we do this in the simplest way, we stop and look. Beginning with your feet, you’re going to go on aphoto safari into your own life to reconnect with who you are, where you’ve been and where you want to go next…Each week you’ll be given a photo assignment that focuses on an aspect of you and your life. As you complete each project you’ll unravel another layer, exploring your memories, reflection, alter ego and favourite places along the way…The writing exercises will support your photo projects and encourage greater self-awareness. Some of the assignments and exercises you’ll find quite easy, others you may find more challenging – the aim is to help you really see yourself and begin to tell your story so that by the end of the course you’ll have a new appreciation for your unique and precious life. You’ll also have a set of images that provide a fascinating insight into who you truly are.

I’ll be posting the photography and writing on my personal blog, Honeysuckle Life. At the end of it, I’m hoping that I’ll have a firmer grasp on what I want for the next few years of my life.

© Elizabeth Anne Designs, 2010 · Permalink · 1 comment · StumbleUpon It!
Posted in: Beautiful Things, Beauty, Photography

Follow Ami on Twitter · Join us at EAD Weddings too! · EAD on Facebook

Sure, it’s been trimmed and highlighted (I’ll admit it!) and feathered…but CHANGED? No.  It’s been a side-part bob for as long as I can remember.

Even though hair is a relatively quick and easy thing to change, something that is cosmetic and we are constantly reminded “will grow back,” it doesn’t make doing it any easier.  Life is kind of like that.  It can be changed quickly, on a whim, and generally, it ...]]> My hair has not changed since I was 13.

Sure, it’s been trimmed and highlighted (I’ll admit it!) and feathered…but CHANGED? No.  It’s been a side-part bob for as long as I can remember.

Even though hair is a relatively quick and easy thing to change, something that is cosmetic and we are constantly reminded “will grow back,” it doesn’t make doing it any easier.  Life is kind of like that.  It can be changed quickly, on a whim, and generally, it will “grow back.”

As I look back on the last 2 years of my life, I realize that these were my life-changing years. I made many difficult career, life, financial, and love decisions.  I stood on my own, and I’ve become myself.  And even though I may not have changed my hair in 12 years…I’m ok with that.

That said, this post would be boring if it didn’t end with an amazing transformation, but this was the best I could do…I got bangs! Whooo!

What was your most recent “life change”?

-B

© Elizabeth Anne Designs, 2010 · Permalink · 4 comments · StumbleUpon It!
Posted in: Beauty, Life

Follow Ami on Twitter · Join us at EAD Weddings too! · EAD on Facebook

Anyhoo, I used to roll my eyes at this suggestion, but – as with many things in life – mom’s advice works ...]]> You know when you’re not physically ill but, for whatever reason, you’re just not feeling so hot?   My mom’s response to complaints of these sorts of general feelings of malaise is always the same:  ”Take a shower – you’ll feel better!”  I like to think of it as her version of Gus Portokalos‘ “put some Windex on it!”

Anyhoo, I used to roll my eyes at this suggestion, but – as with many things in life – mom’s advice works nearly every time.  There’s something about literally washing away all the dirt and grime that figuratively makes me feel renewed.   Its amazing what a little hot water can do…

… hot water and my favorite bath goodies, that is!

St. Ives Energizing Citrus Body Wash (around $3.00)

Fruity and invigorating… This body wash by St. Ives not only gets me going in the morning but is mega-easy on the wallet.  Its also one of the more moisturizing gel body washes I’ve tried.  Added bonus?  All natural ingredients and no animal testing!

Skintimate Moisturizing Cream Shave (about $4.00)

My beef with normal shaving cream is that it’s too “poofy” and slippery – I always feel like I get too much and then it either clogs my razor or ends up as a slip-n-fall hazard on my shower floor.  This cream spreads on in a thin, ultra-moisturizing layer and clings to your skin as you shave.  No fuss, no mess!

Toca Boxed Candles ($36.00)

I know, I know… a $36 candle???  The price tag is eyebrow raising, but I’ve had the one in my bathroom since my first quarter of law school four years ago!  The official word is that Tocca candles burn at least 60 hours… so, 60 cents an hour?  A luxury in every sense of the word, these look gorgeous perched on your bathtub or shelf and smell like a slice of heaven (Cleopatra and Stella are my favorite scents!).

GAP Stretch Jersey Short Robe ($39.50)

This super, super soft jersey cotton robe is ideal for slipping on straight out of the shower.  Warm enough to ward off the chills but light enough to allow for comfortable blowdrying, its the Goldilocks of bathrobes!  And the price is just right, too!

Aveda Foot Relie f($19.00)

I’m not a foot cream kinda-gal.  I like me feet to feel dry, and I really hate sleeping in socks… so slathering lotion on my feet and then encasing them in socks overnight is pretty much a beauty regimen nightmare.  But this minty concoction shimmied its way into my stocking this year and I decided to give it a go – night-time socks and all!  Ummmmm, A-MAZ-ING!  It smells delicious, has a lovely little tingle to it, and makes your footsies totally touchable.  It also soaks in really quickly so feel free to slather it on after your morning shower and throw on some socks while you execute the rest your morning routine.  By the time you’re ready to slip on shoes, the cream is absorbed and you’re off with a spring in your step!

Scrub-a-dub-dub!

© Elizabeth Anne Designs, 2010 · Permalink · 3 comments · StumbleUpon It!
Posted in: Beauty, Gift Guides, Good Things

Follow Ami on Twitter · Join us at EAD Weddings too! · EAD on Facebook